The invaluable lesson NY Islanders legendary coach Al Arbour taught Pierre Turgeon

When Pierre Turgeon arrived on Long Island in the blockbuster 1991 trade that sent Pat LaFontaine to Buffalo, the highly skilled center and former No. 1 overall pick was already an established offensive talent. But it was under the guidance of legendary Hall of Fame coach Al Arbour that Turgeon took the next step and became a more complete player.

Speaking on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast with hosts Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonette, Turgeon recalled that early in his NHL career with Buffalo, he relied heavily on his natural skill. “The first couple years, you’re young, you depend on skill,” he said. “You realize it’s not enough—you’ve got to battle in the corners, protect the puck, and win it.” That lesson truly sank in when he joined the Islanders and Arbour took him aside for a conversation that would shape his approach to the game.

Arbour broke the game down into its smallest segments. He asked Turgeon how many games were in a season, how many periods, how many shifts, and how long a shift lasted. “He said, ‘I want you to find those 45 seconds and stay in the now. Battle as hard as you can to get that puck. When you come back to the bench, it’s done—think about the next 45 seconds. I don’t care how big the guy is in front of you. Get that puck—it’s yours.’”

That philosophy resonated deeply with Turgeon, who said it brought his game to “another level.” The shift-by-shift mindset turned him into a stronger competitor, emphasizing puck battles, positioning, and defensive responsibility alongside his elite scoring touch.

Turgeon likened the approach to the way Sidney Crosby blends superstar skill with a relentless work ethic. “Those details make you better,” he said. Under Arbour, Turgeon’s game evolved from purely offensive flair into the complete package—one that helped define his Islanders tenure and solidify his legacy, which ended up in him being enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame.